But gradually as staff changed, Kim’s care seemed to deteriorate. She began having serious behavioral problems both at school and at home. “We were losing sleep,” says Eugenia. “The last year there was very difficult.” Kim was confined to a small space. “There were too many people, too much confusion, with no one taking responsibility,” adds David. The situation escalated when the program informed them that Kim, then 21-years of age, would have to leave—with only one week’s notice. Desperate for more time, they hired a lawyer. They had almost given up hope, when a representative from the Braintree Public School system intervened and suggested Vinfen.
You have only to speak to Kim’s parents to appreciate how truly focused they are. Top priority was a day program—plus an all-female residential program—that could accommodate Kim. After interviewing Brendan Mullen, Vinfen’s Day Development and Treatment Center-South (DDTC-South) Senior Program Director, they were convinced that Vinfen could fit the bill. Kim first joined a Vinfen residential program located in Randolph, Massachusetts in December 2005 and the DDTC-South program in Weymouth, Massachusetts two months later.
In less than a year, David and Eugenia have noticed a profound difference. For starters, Kim’s health has improved. A staff member takes Kim to doctors’ appointments regularly––to the neurologist every five or six weeks, primary care physician, dentist, and recently to the emergency room after she had a seizure. Under the consultation of a new psychiatrist, Kim is on different medication. “She’s more energetic now,” says David.
When it comes to Vinfen, Kim’s parents cannot say enough. Kim enjoys her own air-conditioned bedroom in a well cared for home and company of three housemates. In addition to personal hygiene, Kim is expected to clean her own bedroom and perform simple household chores. For fun, she goes on supervised excursions to the park or shopping with her housemates.
At the day program, Kim and her peers also are learning important social skills: how to relate to others, resolve interpersonal conflicts, plus basics such as cooking, setting the table and folding clothes. “The staff gives the residents a sense of responsibility,” says David. “When they get up, it’s as though they’re going to work.” Throughout the day, there are enriching and healthy activities such as exercise and dancing, the latter being Kim’s favorite. David and Eugenia are especially appreciative of the staff’s willingness to communicate with them daily about Kim’s care and sense of well-being.
Now, when Kim comes home on the weekend, she is animated and eager to visit her grandmother or uncle, ride in the car, or stop for iced coffee. “She looks very happy,” says Eugenia. “Right now I feel I could take her to a lot of places and have a good time, instead of worrying about what she might do. And when something is not going well with Kim, you can sit down and talk to her.” The difference is night and day. “She’s coming along so wonderfully. I hope she stays at Vinfen for a good long time to come,” Eugenia exclaims. “They’ve been wonderful with my daughter, Kim, and my family… It’s a nice peace of mind.”
